User:Lfay002/KNM-ER 406

This species is grouped with the Australopitecine genus, Paranthropus boisei. This Hominin was found well preserved but lacking teeth. He was known for his robust cranial features that showed the signs of adaptation of the ecological niches. The big chewing muscles attached to the sagittal crest are traits of this adaptation. Following a three month expedition funded by the National Museums of Kenya, Richard Leaky   and H. Mutua spent the summer of 1969 in northern Kenya. This expedition along with the field work three months prior to this project was possible with the financial assistance from the Kenya Government. During this expedition there were primate material and specimens found. Out of the hominid fossils discovered there were two well preserved complete crania discovered. One of the nearly complete cranial found was the KNM-ER 406, Australopithecus boisei. The specimen was a full crania but was found without teeth. With the occipital only being present of this specimen the morphology could not be confirmed, but the KNM-ER 406 and the other fossil found a mile North of the site are consistent with fossils found in Olduvai. It has been accepted that they are Australopithecus boisei and it’s also been accepted that the A. boisei was not a tool maker